National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua on Tuesday, while meeting a delegation of the British Parliament visiting Pakistan, said that the United Kingdom is "unfortunately" choosing "individuals" over its relationship with the state

Janjua was speaking with reference to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain as well as 13 Baloch leaders who have found a "safe abode" in the UK, read a statement issued by the NSA's office.

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The response from Janjua came when the seven-member delegation discussed various issues and challenges both countries faced, including Hussain's self-imposed exile, Pakistan's relationship with India and the Kashmir dispute.

"Pakistan highly values its relationship with the UK, which has a strategic character," the national security adviser said, adding that there was a need to explore "various areas of cooperation" and strengthen understanding between the two countries.

Janjua apprised the foreign diplomats "at length about the rise of extremism, the conflicts in the Muslim world and the rise of Daesh," adding that Pakistan is making efforts to bring peace and stability in the region.

The national security adviser further informed them of the steps Pakistan is taking such as policing social media in an effort to crackdown extremism and implement the National Action Plan.

Regarding India, Janjua explained to the delegation "how [fast] the fragile security architecture of the region" is getting burdened and how it has started to "suffer from serious imbalance".

He further urged the UK to adopt a "balanced regional approach" with its diplomatic relations so as to "restore" balance in the region.

The delegation in its response said that the UK acknowledges Pakistan's role in establishing peace, stability and security in the region, and expressed desire to diversify its relations with the country.